Arizona?

[desolationangel]

Just wanted a shout out to any ICers in Arizona. I'm in Tucson.

(I wish I were in Sedona... lol)

[missychan]

I'm in Scottsdale, I'm with you on Sedona... although we really should wait until it dries out a bit... :)

Missy

[Sherry5]

I'm in Mesa. I would personally love to see some snow right now. Not to much, but I kind of feellike my kids are missing out. Do you know what I mean?

Missy, I worked in Scottsdale when I was in college. I used to think I would live there someday. Instead I just shop and eat there :)

[Pamela Joy]

I'm also from Tucson, and I wish I were in Sedona! Thanks to IC I did not get to go this summer. I'm a teacher and my hubby hates to travel, so I usally go with my parents. Even at 37 they won't let me pay for anything :) I miss my annual infusion of art and beauty.

[Arizonian]

There is a IC Support Group in Tucson and also, in Phoenix. Please write me for details about either group.
Carolyn

[Joyaur]

I'm in Mesa. I would personally love to see some snow right now. Not to much, but I kind of feellike my kids are missing out. Do you know what I mean?

Missy, I worked in Scottsdale when I was in college. I used to think I would live there someday. Instead I just shop and eat there :)


I live in Queen creek. what Uro Doc do you see for IC?

[AmandaRN]

I'm also in Tucson. I have had IC since last June. My main symptom is pain and other than narcs,have not found any successful treatments. What Urologist do you ladies in Tucson see? I am being treated by Dr Commiter and am very happy with him.

[ChimpAdvocate]

Hi, I'm in Tucson - would love to be back home in NY. IC for about 7 years

[Pamela Joy]

My Urologist is Dr. Mitzi Barmatz. I'm happy with her except she has an aversion to pain meds. She referred me to Dr. Sheldon Gingerich for the pain. When I told him that it looked like bladder removal was my next option he said, "Right, Plan B." He put me on morphine and we are working on finding the right dosage. It's not perfect, severe constipation is one of the side effects I'm experiencing, but I am doing better.

[AmandaRN]

I have only had IC for a year now and it has been the worst year of my life. I have to work to pay bills, luckily I only work 3 nights a week. I also have two little girls at home who can't understand why mommy isn't able to do all the things I use to do with them. We were always on the go, out doing things, very active. Now we may go the the grocery store. Other than that we are at home watching cartoons. Mom laying on the couch with the heating pad. The thing I hate most about this disease isn't the horrible pain I'm in everyday or the 5 or more timea anight I get up to go to the bathroom, IT'S that my children have lost a big part of their mom and it hurts them I hate that I can't do all the things we used to do. Anyway sorry about the rant just in a lot of pain. How do the rest of you guys cope? Do you have kids? Are you able to go out and do things with them?

[carolynwk]

I am the co-leader of the Phoenix IC Support Group. You are welcome to attend our meetings but there is a support group that meetings periodically in Tucson, also. Please contact Michaeleen (see support group information) for further information about the Tucson group meetings. :angel:

[Lindie]

Hi: I live in Mesa.....I was diagnosed 6 years ago with IC....I was in remission with an occasional flare up until 3 months ago....I have been in one constant state of pain since then...I've tried everything that I've read about on the IC website and nothing has helped.....I guess I'll just keep trying.....I do feel a little better but not like I was before this last flare.....I go to Dr. Robert Shahon in Mesa...he's a urologist and was the one who diagnosed me...he put me on Elmiron & Amitryptiline and it did wonders for me up until now....I'm disappointed in him right now as he will not prescribe me pain pills...he's prescribed many other things but doesn't believe in "real" pain pills....so I may have to look for someone else......does anyone know of an IC specialist in the Phoenix area?...I want a uro who really understands IC and is willing to work with you on the pain. I look forward to hearing from someone.

Thanks and hang in there!

[Arizonian]

Lindie,
I see Dr. Elizabeth Kornfield who has two offices in Scottsdale, AZ. She specializes in I.C. I've seen her for 2.5 years and she has extended herself on every visit to think of new treatments and medications for me. She stays current on IC treatments, medications and research by going to conferences all over the world and constantly reading up on IC research.
She also prescribes Neurontin, a non-narcotic pain medication for me which keeps me functioning normally and controls my pain levels which were very high previously. You can reach her at 480-949-1212 and I highly recommend her. The best of luck to any of you living in Arizona with I.C. There is no need to suffer if your physician will not prescribe pain medication or is not current on the latest :angel: IC treatments.
Also, I hope to see you at our August 14th Phoenix IC Support Group meeting!
Carolyn

[janettc]

Hi Everyone
I'm in Glendale...just diagnosed about 3 weeks ago, but have been dealing with pain for longer than I can remember...Carolyn I lost all my e-mails and could not find the other site I found you on, I'm glad I found you again...I was kinda wondering if you knew of any other Dr's maybe in West Phoenix, cuz I'd have to travel sooooo far which is not funnnnn. Please let me know!!! Can't wait for the next meeting...Thanks for ANY info!!!!

[Sherry5]

Joyaur, I'm sorryit has taken so long for me to reply, I guess I haven't been looking at this thread. I haven't seen a urologist yet. My ob/gyn treats a lot of IC patients and he is the one who diagnosed me. I got pregnant shortly after, so I have only seen him. I have gone into remission with this pregnancy, but after I have the baby I will probably seek out a good urologist. My ob won't prescribe percocet, and that is the only thing that works for my breakthrough pain. He will only prescribe it for surgery. I had my last surgery last November and I have been hording my percocets since then. I know, people like me who take ten to twenty pills a YEAR are really in danger of becoming drug addicts :loco:

How do you like Queen Creek? We almost moved out there a couple of years ago, but the commute was too much for my husband. I really like the modified school year they have out there. I went to school here in Mesa and half of the kids I went to High School with live out there in Queen Creek or Gilbert now. You probably have a neighbor that I used to be friends with!

Lindie, Where do you live here in Mesa? I don't know anyone personally who has IC. I only know people on this board. It is hard for me to go to the meetings in Phoenix because they are Sundays at 2:00. I teach a class at church at 2:00 . Maybe I will be able to make it when our church time changes.

[Prinny Joy]

Hi there, we're neighbors. I have many stories! Oh my goodness. As far as meeting goes, I attended zero as I was in desperate need of support, desperate and the only answer I got when I called was "come to a meeting" a lot of good that does for someone who can't leave the house, so if you cannot attend any meeting, I can send my phone number and be of support any other way, PEACE and JOY

[Joyaur]

actually i am very blessed in my bout with I C . I don't have pain at all...except when I really cheat on my food intake...Then I take Prelief.

I live in Queen Creek...

[chainsaw]

I don't live in Azriona, but I have family in Phoenix & Mesa. I was out in Phoenix back from the Summer of "76" to the Spring of "77". I have Aunt & Uncle and cousins in Phoenix, and Aunt & Uncle and cousins in Mesa.
Kim H